Parish Voices
 
"What St. Paul's Means to Me"
 
Several members of the parish volunteered their feelings about being members of St. Paul's. Their comments are excerpted below.
 
"As a life-long member of St. Paul's, this parish has been my spiritual family in which I have been taught, challenged, nurtured and blessed. All the priests and all the laity who are or have been part of this parish family have left an indelible mark on my mind, my heart and my soul. A big part of who I am is defined by this parish. We have had our ups and our downs, but I am firmly convinced that we shall continue to persevere and remain a healthy, loving parish family. I pray for this parish every day of my life that we may become the parish God wants us to BE and do what He wants us to DO."
 
"St. Paul's has a great balance between guidance and independent thought, and it shows in the diverse but Christian parishioners that call themselves members. I'm very happy and at peace spiritually as a member of the St. Paul's parish."
 
"Our lives and marriage are bound together by many things; love and respect for each other, lessons learned from our parents, the experience of raising a family of our own, and - not the least of these things - our love for St. Paul's. Early in our marriage, the cathedral was an important bridge between our catholic and protestant backgrounds. Accepting and nurturing, the only perception we've ever had of St. Paul's is one of welcome, warmth and involvement. While growing our family, the cathedral supported our children with rich Christian education and experience. Memories of baptisms, confirmations, Sunday school and youth programs hold high places in our family lore. Adults now themselves, our children have never questioned why we go to church and are as much at home here as we are."
 
"As a child and teen, God seemed a bit untouchable to me; a spiritual being revered, but feared. As a young adult, married woman and new parent, God's message became clearer, but I still questioned my relationship with Him and His Son. How was I going to be a spiritual role model for my children when I had my own doubts? Then somehow my family was led to Peoria and St. Paul's Cathedral and I began my "spiritual awakening." I can't tell you that it was a particular sermon, clergy member or hymn sung. It wasn't specifically the rallying support of a needy member, a bible study class or a church sponsored event. My faith was strengthened because of each and every member touched and every moment spent within the St. Paul's fellowship community."
 
"The clergy and people of St. Paul's are a continual strength to me in times of need and in times of great joy. When I think of St. Paul's, it brings a smile to my face to know that I have a spiritual home, a place of worship that helps me to continue on the journey that God has planned for me. A liturgy that brings me closer to Christ. The opportunity for fellowship with others. St. Paul's is a place where laughter and tears gather and we know that others will be there to support and encourage us as we face the challenges that life brings."
 
"As I watch our daughter beginning confirmation classes, I have hopes and reams for her, for us and the entire congregation, clergy and staff of St. Paul's present and future, These dreams are based on experiences from my past, which include loving and nurturing people that have made St. Paul's and its people a top priority. They've shown me that God is to be truly number 1 in our lives! I want to see our church and its family grow and thrive. I am lucky enough to have had a lifetime of events in this parish - to see where we've been and where we can go."
 
"We moved to Peoria last year to accept new job responsibilities. After settling into our new home, our first task was to find a church family. We visited St. Paul's Cathedral where we were greeted with smiles and an invitation to join everyone for coffee after the service. We quickly came to appreciate and understand the scope an breadth of the many opportunities to serve the church. As newcomers to this beautiful city, it meant so much to us to have the clergy staff welcome us and to be asked to become involved. We were not expecting to make friends so quickly. It is a privilege to attend church each Sunday and be a part of a vibrant and spiritual family. Thank your for being there for us."
 
"To me, St. Paul's Cathedral means community. St. Paul's Cathedral has been my home away from home for 22 years. From the time we first became members, I have looked to our church as not only a place to worship and serve our Lord, but also as a sanctuary from our secular life. The community of St. Paul's has been our rock these last few years; spiritually, emotionally, and yes, even financially. We continually feel the power and strength of our church community and it has held us up to keep going in the face of adversity. Quite frankly, if it were not for the prayerful support of the wonderful community of St. Paul's , I'm not sure we could have survived these times."